Making Kid-Tough Fabric-Covered Christmas Ornaments

	A fun, easy-to-do holiday craft project for all ages Fabric-covered Styrofoam balls are kid-smart decorative alternatives to breakable ornaments - both on the tree and off. A basketful of these tough ornaments on the coffee table can act as a decorative yet functional Christmas playtoy for toddlers, and is a worry-free holiday decorating accent parents can live with in a house full of busy kids. This is a super-easy craft project for both parents and kids, and makes a thoughtful holiday gift.
This craft project shows you how to make two types of fabric-covered Christmas ornament balls. The first ornament is made with a simple fabric wrap, gathered and tied at the top, the second ornament is made by gluing overlapping fabric strips to the ball.
	Materials Styrofoam craft balls in different sizes - we used 2-3/4" and 4" diameter balls. Fabric - try at least 2 coordinating fabrics, or 1 solid and 2 prints. This is a great way to recycle fabric scraps from other projects. Glue - Tacky Glue, Aileen's Foam Glue or lo-temp hot glue A small foam paintbrush - for spreading tacky or foam glue Scissors or Pinking Shears (or rip fabric strips for a textured edge - great for casual country decor) Thin ribbon, cording, rickrack or other decorative embellishments
	Ornament 1: Fabric-wrapped Styrofoam balls Step 1: Cut fabric Cut (or rip) squares of fabric, about 14" to 16" for a 4" ball, or 10" to 12" for a 2-3/4" ball. Cut or rip a few ¾" wide fabric strips from coordinating fabric. Also cut a 5" length of ribbon or cording to tie (longer for a bow) Step 2: Wrap ball Center the ball in the fabric square. Pull fabric to the top of the ball - pull up the 4 sides first, then the corners, smoothing the fabric evenly over the ball. Holding the fabric tightly at the top, center the bottom of the ball over 2 fabric strips, crossed to make an "x", pull up the strips on each side and gather together with fabric. Step 3: Tie together Knot the ribbon or cord tightly at the top of the ball (add a loop if making a hanging ornament) and add dot of glue on the knot to secure it. Arrange the extra fabric at the top, and trim the strips as needed. Decorative Idea: Candyland lollipop ornaments Using the same technique, wrap Styrofoam balls that have had 5"-6" long painted dowel rods inserted and glued. Add a loop for hanging, or glue several at varying heights into a foam block and place in a festive basket for a cute, whimsical centerpiece.

	Ornament 2: Fabric Covered Styrofoam Balls Step 1: Cut fabric Cut (or rip) several ¾" wide fabric strips from coordinating fabrics. Step 2: Glue fabric strips to Styrofoam ball Determine a design for your ball. Glue strips of the background fabric to the ball, overlapping and smoothing edges. Once covered, add accent strips to create stripes or other patterns. Decorative options: Play with fabric patterns to create unique looks. Try crisscross patterns, color block areas, quartered or halved patterns, the ideas are endless! Step 3: Add embellishment Tie a festive cord tightly around the finished ball, ending in a lively bow (add a few dots of glue to secure knot and secure the cord to the ball) or glue on rickrack, ribbon or other embellishments to finish. Add a loop from the top to hang.

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